Good SQL Server 2005/2008 References

Question

What are some good references for SQL Server 2005/2008?

As someone with background working in PHP and interacting with MySQL/PostGreSQL databases, is there anything specific that I should be on the look out for?

Answer 1

The SQL Cookbook is good for quick reference. If you want books that go into more detail, try the Wrox books on the subject. They're usually the best. Stay away from the Microsoft Press books (on any topic, I think). They're nice and thick, but seem to be exceptionally thin on content.

Answer 2

Have to also point out that the "SQL Server Books Online" is a great reference, and despite its name it is installed on your computer as part of the client tools installation.

Start>Microsoft SQL Server 2005>Documentation and Tutorials>SQL Server Books Online

Answer 3

The Microsoft Press books for SQL Server 2005 are very good, in particular the "Inside SQL Server 2005" series, you would probably want to start of with the T-SQL Querying book.

If you want an all-in-one book then I have heard good things about SQL Server 2005 Unleashed.

Answer 4

I've liked the articles on http://www.sqlservercentral.com/ but you have to register! Hopefully soon http://stackoverflow.com/ will become the one place to stop by.